Discuss_the_Advantages_and_Disadvantages_of_Using_Free_Weights,_Weight_Machines_and_Elastic_Bands.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using free weights, weight machines and elastic bands. There are many advantages as well as disadvantages to using free weights, weight machines and elastic bands. Advantages of using free weights are is free weights help develop better balance. Using free weights for weight training requires that you use more than one muscle group for each exercise. For example, when performing a seated bicep curl, you are not only using your shoulders, but you are also using your abs and your legs for stabilization. Free weights condition muscles used in life situations. Free weights allow for a greater range of motion. When exercising on a machine, the machine guides you through the actual movement performed in the exercise. When using free weights, you must have control in your movements. The disadvantages to using free weights are free weight training is generally for people who are more experienced with strength training. Free weight training is not as safe as other forms of strength training. It can be unsafe to perform these exercises without a spotter as you may get an injury. The advantages of using weight machines is they are supportive. Most machines provide support, which is great for people who need help when learning new exercises. It can also be good for people rehabbing injuries or those who want to lift heavy weights without a spotter. They are easy to use. They save time. It usually doesn't take as much time to change weights on machines as it would for many free weight exercises. On the other hand, weight machines do have disadvantages such as they are too supportive. You have so much support, you use fewer muscle groups at the same time. This means you burn less calories and work the body in a less functional way. They are limited. Most machines offer one exercise for one part of the body, which means having to use multiple machines for a total body workout. They don't allow you to work on weaknesses. Many machines require you to use both arms or legs to move the weight, so if one side is stronger than the other, that side may do more work than the weaker side. Weight machines do not allow the body to work naturally. The advantages of using elastic bands are that you can use resistance bands just about anywhere. Assuming you have your own, it's simple to train at home. You may just need somewhere to tie the bands to, depending on the exercise. The need for skill instruction is less, and there's never any worry about dropping the bar on yourself. Also, the small muscles that help stabilize your joints against resistance are also more heavily taxed, which is one of the reasons they're often used in rehabilitation. The disadvantages of using elastic bands are some exercises cannot be performed with bands. It is difficult to squat or dead-lift effectively with bands alone. Therefore, free weights, weight machines and elastic bands all have there advantages and disadvantages and depending on the person and the exercise they are wanting to do, then the option is out to them to choose what is best for them.